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Comment on How I Overcame Bipolar II (and Saved My Own Life)parent

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On the contrary, as someone with my own firsthand experience, I think positive, empowering, live-affirming articles are needed alongside the concerned frowns and furrowed brows of often-helpless friends, family, and psychiatrists.

A brilliant, introspective mind given hope that they have some power within themselves to help their condition will discover that diet, regulation of sleep and social contact, healthy life structure and goals, sources of self-esteem, etc. are a big part of dealing with a mood disorder long-term. It is certainly possible to achieve change that lasts, with or without medication, though medication is a powerful and useful tool.

My intent was never to discount the importance of hope and positivity, nor the value of lifestyle changes such as the author's. I am intimately close with the affected person in my life; the disease (and its treatment) has a way of consuming her life, it's supporting to hear a positive tale.

It's semantics to me - the term "overcame", the tone of the article. I get the feeling that the author believes he's permanently rid himself of the disease, and that he's suggesting others can do the same (through whatever method). The disease is with you for life, you manage it. The author never makes that clear, and I hope (for his sake) he realizes that.

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